Convinced that their holiday tip can be the ticket to 12 months of preferred service, they engage in a kind of pre-emptive gambit.

Here's a splendid selection of holiday tips, advice and hidden gems from the people who know Northern Ireland best - the locals.

True, there are some who can skip the web of holiday tips.

Ms. Martin, that is, Miss Manners, says there are three types of holiday tips.

There were bills to pay, doormen and garage attendants awaiting holiday tips.

Give the gift of health and safety to yourself and others by following these holiday tips.

But, he said, it is bad form to ask for a holiday tip.

Each December, Livingston wrote a light poem for local newspaper carriers to distribute as they trolled for holiday tips.

In buildings that have set up a pool for holiday tips, they are insured of getting some yearly applause.

In many community associations, it is not customary to give holiday tips.